US481621A - Mail-box - Google Patents

Description

G. S. LIGHT. MAIL BOX.

- Patented Aug. 30, 1892.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE S. LIGHT, OF OOVINGTON, KENTUCKY.

MAIL-BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 481,621, dated August 30, 1892.

Application filed November '7, 1891. Serial No. 411,232. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be itknown that I, GEORGE S. LIGHT, a citizen of the United States, residing at (lovington, in the county of Kenton and State of Kentucky, have invented a new and useful Mail- Box, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to mail-boxes; and it consists in the construction and arrangement of the parts thereof, as will be more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

The object of the invention is to provide a mail-box with a series of distributing divisions or drawers of simple and effective construction and operation, strong and durable, easily handled and set up for use, and cheaply manufactured.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved box with the one end exposed. Fig. 2 is a similar view looking at the opposite end of the box. Fig. 3 is a similar view of one of the drawers removed.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several views.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates the body of the box constructed of sheet metal, preferably galvanized iron, and formed with a central partition. The box is divided into a mail-receiving apartment, as 2, with an opening or slot 3, covered by a dropdoor 4 and having a hinged door 5 at the opposite end, which is secured by a suitable hasp and look, as at 6. The end of the box adjacent to the opening or slot 3 is formed with a series of pigeon-holes of various sizes having lock doors or casings, as 7, and wherein is fitted a series of drawers 8 open at one end. These drawers provide what is known as rent-boxes forindividuals who will carry keys to the same, similar to lock-boxes now in use. These lock-drawers 8 and doors or covers therefor are covered by an exterior door 9, which may be provided with a springlock. The open ends of the drawers 8 are located at theggpposite ends of the box, as at 10, and are covered by a door 11, which is secured in connection with the hasp 6 and can only be opened by the mail-distributing clerk or other authoritative person at the postoffice or station. In these open ends of the drawers the mail is distributed to various parties renting the same, and the door 11 then closed and locked, so that access thereto may be had only at the end thereof covered by the door 9, which will be located in convenient position or place for engagement by proper individuals having keys thereto.

In the side of each box is formed or attached a bracket 12, having a cross slat or strip 13, in whichare inserted postal-cards.

These boxes are adapted to be mounted outdoors at suitable stations or places, and are provided with a series of rings or eyes, as 14, for insertion of a chain or other fastening 15, passed therethrough and around a post or tree, as shown in Fig. 2. Other rings 16 are also provided, which may be used in addition to or independently of the rings or eyes 14. At certain periods the boxes will be disconnected from their secured positions, as just set forth, and be conveyed by a top handle 16 to a central station or office where the mail is properly distributed and placed in the drawers, and then aseries of the boxes can be arranged closely together after the manner of tiers of lock-boxes for convenient access of the individuals carrying keys to their respective drawers, and thereafter the boxes may be set up, as represented by Fig. 2.

To strengthen the sheet-metal structure of each box it is surrounded by a metallic binding 17 at opposite ends to provide rigidity.

The advantages and conveniences of a structure of this character are readily apparent to those skilled in the art and need not be further elaborated on therein.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is 1. A mail-box having a series of drawers therein closed at one end and open at the other, a mail-compartment above said drawers, and hinged doors with hasps and looks over the ends of said drawers, substantially as described.

2. A mailbox having a series of drawers therein open at one end and closed at the other and extending therethrough from end to end, a mail-compartment above said drawers, hinged doors adapted to close over the end of the drawers entire, hasps and locks for securing said doors, rings on the box, and a chain to engage said rings and support the box in proper position, substantially as described.

GEORGE S. LIGHT.

Witnesses:

J. G. TAYLOR, J. GRAY Lows.

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